Dhaka, Beijing sign 8 MoUs, 1 deal on economic, technical cooperation

Bangladesh and China today (28 March) signed nine instruments, including the agreement on "economic and technical cooperation", between the two governments and other cooperation documents on development, translation and publication of classics, exchanges and cooperation on cultural heritage, news exchange and media and health sector.

The two countries signed eight MoUs on translation and production of classics, exchanges and cooperation on cultural heritage, news exchange, media, sports and health sectors, Chief Adviser's Deputy Press Secretary Abul Kalam Azad Majumder told UNB.

Besides, five announcements were made on the launching of formal negotiations on investment, the announcement of the commencement of the China Industrial Economic Zone, the signing of a commercial agreement for the modernisation and expansion of Mongla port, the building of a robot physiotherapy and rehabilitation centre, and the donation of a cardiac surgery vehicle, he said.

The two sides spoke positively of the signing of the Implementation Plan of the MoU on Exchange of Hydrological Information of the Yarlung Zanbo-Jamuna River.

Bangladesh welcomed Chinese companies to participate in the Teesta River Comprehensive Management and Restoration Project (TRCMRP), according to the joint media statement issued after the bilateral meeting between Chief Adviser Prof Muhammad Yunus and Chinese President Xi Jinping.

Bangladesh welcomed Chinese companies to participate in the Mongla Port Facilities Modernization and Expansion Project, and stands ready to work with the Chinese side to further develop the Chinese Economic and Industrial Zone (CEIZ) in Chattogram.

The two sides underscored the importance to initiate negotiations on the China-Bangladesh Free Trade Agreement at an early date and officially start negotiations on optimising the China-Bangladesh Investment Agreement.

The two sides agreed to realise the early export of high-quality products of Bangladesh to China including fresh mangoes and other agricultural and aquatic produce as soon as possible.

China welcomed Bangladesh to make full use of platforms such as the China International Import Expo, China-South Asia Expo, and China International Supply Chain Expo to expand cooperation with China. Bangladesh reaffirmed its readiness to create a favorable investment environment for Chinese companies.

The two sides agreed to strengthen cooperation in such areas as hydrological forecasting, flood prevention and disaster reduction, river dredging, integrated management of water resources, water resources development and related technology sharing.

The two countries agreed to make concerted efforts to tackle climate change and tap the potential for blue economy cooperation. The two sides agreed to strengthen exchanges on maritime affairs and hold a new round of Dialogue on Maritime Cooperation at an appropriate time.

They agreed to jointly celebrate the 50th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations and the Year of China-Bangladesh People-to-People Exchanges in 2025.

The two sides agreed to deepen exchanges and cooperation on culture, tourism, media, education, health care and youth, and between local governments and think tanks, to enhance mutual understanding between the two peoples.

Bangladesh expressed appreciation for the convenience provided by China for Bangladeshi patients seeking medical treatment in Yunnan Province, commended the vision of building a community with a shared future for mankind, and appreciated the Global Development Initiative.

Bangladesh also takes note of the importance of the Global Security Initiative and the Global Civilization Initiative proposed by President Xi Jinping.

Both sides agreed to strengthen international cooperation, promote unity and self-reliance among the Global South and jointly address global challenges.

The year 2025 marks the 80th anniversary of the end of the Second World War and the founding of the United Nations.

Both sides reaffirmed their commitment to the purposes and principles of the U.N. Charter, the practice of true multilateralism and greater democracy in international relations.

Both countries will jointly advocate for an equal and orderly multi-polar world and a universally beneficial and inclusive economic globalisation.

They also agreed to keep strengthening coordination within the UN and other multilateral mechanisms and jointly safeguard the common interests of developing countries and uphold international fairness and justice.

Chief Adviser Dr Yunus expressed his sincere appreciation to President Xi Jinping and the Chinese people for the warm hospitality extended to him and the Bangladeshi delegation, and invited the Chinese leadership to visit Bangladesh at a mutually convenient time.

Bangladesh appreciated China's constructive role in promoting peace talks on Myanmar and in promoting the resolution of the issue concerning the forcibly displaced people from the Rakhine State of Myanmar who have taken shelter in Bangladesh.

China commended Bangladesh for providing humanitarian assistance for the displaced people from Rakhine State, and supported Bangladesh and Myanmar in finding among others a mutually acceptable solution through friendly consultations. China will continue to provide support for the repatriation to the best of its capabilities. 

At the invitation of the Secretary-General of the Boao Forum for Asia, Chief Adviser Prof Muhammad Yunus attended the Boao Forum for Asia Annual Conference 2025 in Hainan, China from 26 to 27 March 2025, and then at the invitation of the Government of the People's Republic of China, the Chief Adviser is visiting Beijing from 27 to 29 March 2025.

Xi Jinping, President of the People's Republic of China met with Chief Adviser Professor Yunus in Beijing.

Ding Xuexiang, Vice Premier of the State Council of the People's Republic of China, met with Chief Adviser Professor Yunus on the sidelines of the Boao Forum for Asia Annual Conference 2025 in Hainan Province.

Han Zheng, Vice President of the People's Republic of China also met with Chief Adviser Professor Yunus in Beijing.

In a warm and friendly atmosphere, the two sides had in-depth exchanges of views on bilateral relations and international and regional issues of mutual interest and reached extensive consensus.

Dr Yunus attended the opening ceremony of the Boao Forum for Asia Annual Conference 2025 and delivered a speech.

The Chinese side welcomed the interim government of Bangladesh led by Professor Muhammad Yunus and noted the reform and progress made by the interim government since August 2024.

The Bangladesh side thanked the Government of the People's Republic of China for welcoming the interim government of Bangladesh and extending necessary support to carry forward bilateral relations.

Both sides reconfirmed equal commitment to nurturing the Comprehensive Strategic Cooperative Partnership with utmost importance.

They also agreed that since the establishment of diplomatic relations between China and Bangladesh 50 years ago, relations between the two countries have maintained healthy and stable development regardless of changes in the international and regional landscape.

The two sides agreed to hold fast to the Five Principles of Peaceful Coexistence, carry forward their traditional friendship, deepen political mutual trust and synergy between development strategies, keep moving forward in the China-Bangladesh Comprehensive Strategic Cooperative Partnership, and deliver greater benefits to the two countries and their peoples.

The two countries reaffirmed their mutual support on issues involving each other's core interests and major concerns.

China consistently adheres to the principle of noninterference in the internal affairs of other countries, respects Bangladesh's independence, sovereignty and territorial integrity, supports Bangladesh in safeguarding its national independence, respects the development path independently chosen by the people of Bangladesh, and supports Bangladesh in exploring a development path suited to its own national conditions.

China has always followed a policy of good neighborliness and friendship toward the people of Bangladesh, and supports the Interim Government of Bangladesh in effectively exercising governance, preserving unity and stability in Bangladesh, and leading Bangladesh onto a path of development and prosperity.

The two sides stressed that the authority of the UN General Assembly Resolution 2758 is beyond any question or challenge. Bangladesh reiterated its firm commitment to the One-China principle and its position that the Government of the People's Republic of China is the sole legal government representing the whole of China, and Taiwan is an inalienable part of China's territory.

Bangladesh opposes "Taiwan independence." Bangladesh supports China on issues pertaining to China's core interests and China's efforts to safeguard its national sovereignty and territorial integrity.

The two sides agreed to promote high-quality Belt and Road cooperation, strengthen international cooperation on industrial and supply chains and work together to achieve modernisation in both countries.

Bangladesh expressed appreciation for the long-standing and robust support China has been providing for economic and social development in Bangladesh, and spoke highly of the economic and social impact produced by China-Bangladesh cooperation projects of bridges, roads, railways, networks, power grids and sewage treatment.

China will continue to support Bangladesh in improving infrastructure and advancing industrialisation, and encourage Chinese companies to conduct investment cooperation with Bangladesh in such fields as textile and garment, clean energy, digital economy, agriculture and manufacturing in accordance with commercial principles and market-based approaches.